The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 celebrated the best in gaming, recognizing innovation and excellence across various platforms and categories. It was a night filled with deserved accolades and a few anticipated wins, signaling trends in the industry and highlighting titles that truly resonated with players.
Notably, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* dominated the ceremony, securing both Best Lead Performer for Jennifer English and best Supporting Performer for Ben Starr. Furthermore, the game ultimately took home the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year award, cementing its place as a standout title of 2025. I’ve found that games achieving this level of recognition often do so by blending compelling narratives with innovative gameplay.
Here’s a breakdown of the key winners:
- Best Supporting Performer – Ben Starr, clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Lead Performer - Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hall of Fame – The Sims
- PC Game of the Year – Hollow knight: Silksong
- Console Game of the Year – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics’ Choice award – Donkey kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The inclusion of *The Sims* in the Hall of Fame is particularly important. It acknowledges the game’s enduring legacy and its profound impact on the simulation genre. You can see how influential a title is when it continues to inspire and entertain players for decades.
Beyond *Clair Obscur*, *hollow Knight: Silksong* earned the title of PC Game of the Year. This win underscores the continued popularity of the Metroidvania genre and the high expectations surrounding this highly anticipated sequel. Similarly, *Ghost of Yōtei* captivated console gamers, earning the Console Game of the Year award.
*Donkey Kong Bananza* received the Critics’ Choice Award, demonstrating that innovative and playful titles still hold a strong appeal.Here’s what works best for these types of games: a focus on fun and accessibility.
Unsurprisingly,*Grand Theft Auto 6* claimed the Most Wanted Game award. Anticipation for this title remains incredibly high, and its win reflects the immense excitement within the gaming community. It’s a testament to the power of a well-established franchise and the promise of a truly groundbreaking experience.
in the event that you missed it, you can watch the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 ceremony below.